Bob Fosse’s

Impact on Jazz
Ry Vega
Introduction
-Bob Fosse was a renowned
choreographer, dancer, and director
in Broadway and Hollywood.

-He revolutionized the world of jazz

dance with his unique style.

-Fosse's impact can still be seen in

contemporary dance today.
Early Life
Bob Fosse was born in Chicago in
1927.

He started dancing at a young age,

performing in vaudeville shows with
his partner, Charles Grass.

Fosse later moved to New York City to

pursue his career in dance.
Broadway Career
Fosse's Broadway career started in the early 1950s,
where he quickly gained recognition for his innovative
choreography.

Fosse choreographed and directed many successful

Broadway shows, including "The Pajama Game,"
"Sweet Charity," "Chicago," and "Dancin'."

His signature style was characterized by sharp, angular

movements and a focus on isolations and body
control.

Fosse also incorporated elements of vaudeville and

burlesque into his choreography.
Film Career
Fosse transitioned to Hollywood and
directed and choreographed several
successful films, including "Cabaret" and "All
That Jazz."

His film work continued to showcase his

signature style and influence on jazz dance.

Fosse won an Academy Award for Best

Director for "Cabaret" and was nominated
for Best Director for "All That Jazz."
Style and Techniques
Fosse's style was characterized by a distinct blend of
jazz, vaudeville, and burlesque.

His choreography was known for its sharp, angular

movements, use of isolations, and intricate footwork.

Fosse's use of props, such as hats, canes, and chairs,

added another layer of complexity to his
choreography.

Fosse also incorporated elements of social dances,

such as the Charleston and the tango, into his work.
Iconic Numbers
Fosse's work is defined by several iconic numbers that have become staples in
the world of jazz dance.

Some of his most famous numbers include "Steam Heat" from "The Pajama
Game," "Big Spender" from "Sweet Charity," and "All That Jazz" from "Chicago."
(Links to videos of the dance numbers are in each song title)
Influence on Jazz Dance
Fosse's impact on jazz dance can still
be seen in contemporary dance today.
His style has been adapted and
emulated by countless
choreographers and dancers.
Fosse's influence can be seen in
popular culture, such as in music
videos and movies.
Awards and Recognition
Fosse won numerous awards for his
choreography and direction, including
eight Tony Awards, an Academy
Award, and three Emmys.

In 1999, he was posthumously

inducted into the American Theater
Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Bob Fosse was a visionary choreographer
and director who revolutionized jazz
dance.
His unique style and contributions to the
world of dance continue to influence and
inspire dancers and choreographers
today.
Fosse's legacy will always be
remembered as one of the most
significant in the history of jazz dance.